Message from Interim Provost Rick Muma
I hope you had a restful break and I wish you a Happy New Year.
I'm writing to you this morning in my role as Interim Provost, which is effective today. First, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank Dr. Tony Vizzini for his service as Provost over the last four years. He accomplished a lot during his tenure, and we are all better off because of his time at the university. Tony has been a mentor and friend to many of us, and I hope that you will join me in wishing him well.
The main reason for this letter is to share some initial thoughts and enlist your help in sustaining the great momentum we have been building in the Division of Academic Affairs in conjunction with Faculty Senate and faculty, staff and students throughout the university.
In my 22 years here as a WSU professor, chair and administrator, I've seen a tremendous number of changes driven internally by our own desire to excel and externally by changes in economics, politics and technology. Even during this period of transition to a new permanent Provost, we need to continue moving forward to serve our students, the public good and the advancement of knowledge.
I know from experience that when personnel changes occur at this level, a common concern among faculty, staff, and students is whether the Provost's Office staff will be there to support their work. I can assure you that this office is committed to providing leadership and support, as we have always done in the past. We will be responsive to your needs. We will continue to move your initiatives forward. As we support you, all of the activities that occur in Academic Affairs will be guided by the University's strategic plan, with major priorities including enrollment, applied learning, funded research, regional economic development and making the best use of our resources.
As in any transition, there will be changes in the coming weeks. I want to encourage you to contact us at any time with your needs and recommendations. Here's how to reach our staff and how we will divide up the work for now:
1. Provost-related matters, contact me (richard.muma@wichita.edu) and cc laura.manning@wichita.edu (ext. 5051)
2. Strategic enrollment management questions, email me and cc candice.weathers@wichita.edu (ext. 3987)
3. Budget-related matters, email linnea.glenmaye@wichita.edu (ext. 5054) and cc candice.weathers@wichita.edu (ext. 3987) and janis.hudson@wichita.edu (ext. 3010)
4. Personnel-related matters, email linnea.glenmaye@wichita.edu and cc laura.manning@wichita.edu
5. For general questions, feedback, etc. email provost@wichita.edu
I am very aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us in the division, university, and higher education in general. I want you to know I will be committed every day to make sure we move forward for the benefit of you and the university. I'm looking forward to seeing you this semester!
Thanks---Rick